Immunization registries are confidential, population-based computerized systems that contain information regarding children's vaccinations. Registries provide a critical tool for increasing and ...sustaining vaccination coverage. A national health objective for 2010 is to increase to 95% the proportion of children aged <6 years who participate in fully operational population-based immunization registries. According to 2000 data, 24% of U.S. children are participating in population-based immunization registries. In 1998, to facilitate community-and state-based immunization registry development in the United States, the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) launched the Initiative on Immunization Registries. Through public hearings and parent focus groups, NVAC identified concerns that needed to be addressed to increase registry participation: a) protecting each person's privacy and the confidentiality of registry information; b) ensuring participation of vaccination providers and recipients; c) overcoming technical and operational challenges; and d) determining resources needed to develop and maintain immunization registries. In January 1999, NVAC approved the report Development of Community- and State-Based Immunization Registries (available at <http://www.cdc.gov/nip/registry/nvac.htm>; accessed July 30, 2001). The following report summarizes NVAC s recommendations and describes CDC's National Immunization Program activities in response to NVAC recommendations.
Data accumulated to date from the Los Angeles study indicate that the total termination rate for 12 months from the beginning of the training period and from formal entry into the study was high for ...the ovulation method (OM), and symptothermal method (STM). Voluntary withdrawal was the highest single reason for termination in both methods. The 12 month voluntary withdrawal rate, measured from formal entry into the study, was significantly higher for OM users. Pregnancy rates measured from both the beginning of training and formal entry into the study were significantly higher for OM users than for STM users. Complete analysis of the data collected during the study is currently in progress. It is anticipated that some of the causes for the differences in pregnancy rates and withdrawal rates between the two methods can be identified.